Police arrested Robert Crimo III, a suspect in the shooting at a Highland Park Fourth of July parade, where six people were killed and two others were injured. Crimo, 21-year-old Bobby, was not officially charged in the attack.
Investigators believe the gunman opened fire on parade-goers at 10:15 AM, as the community celebrated Independence Day. Police said that a “high-powered rifle”, was found at the scene. Initial descriptions of the suspect included a young white man with long dark hair.
Lake County Major Crime Task Force Chief Chris Covelli stated Tuesday at a press conference that Crimo was dressed in women’s clothes during the shooting to “enable him to hide himself.”
Covelli stated that investigators were able identify Crimo through video and an expedited tracing of Crimo’s rifle by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Covelli stated that Crimo was believed to have merged into the crowd after the shooting and went to his mother’s house, driving off in a Honda Fit.
Covelli stated that another rifle was found in the car as well as other firearms at Crimo’s house. Covelli stated that all Crimo’s guns were legally purchased by Crimo in Chicago.
After a short chase, police located the Honda Fit in a nearby area and took him into custody.
Police and FBI were called to Highwood, north of Highland Park, Monday afternoon. CBS Chicago was told by neighbors that Crimo lived there along with his uncle and father. According to his uncle, Crimo lived in an apartment at the back.
His father, a deli-owner, was unsuccessful in his bid for Highland Park mayor in 2019. Paul, Crimo’s uncle, said that he had not noticed any signs suggesting that Crimo might have committed violence.
Paul Crimo stated to CBS Chicago that there was no indication. “There was nothing I could see that would indicate that this would happen.”
He stated that he was heartbroken by the attack.
“I cannot believe it. He said that he was praying for all of the families as well as for everyone who was hurt or injured.
Bobby Crimo was also known as Awake The Rapper, and uploaded content online that contained violent imagery. Some of his videos included his hometown and some featured animated scenes of gun violence. He can be heard saying “I must leave now” in a video depicting gun violence. It is my destiny. It is my destiny.”
Covelli stated that investigators were “reviewing Crimo’s videos”, but it was unclear why the shooting occurred.
Covelli stated that “at this point we haven’t developed a motivation from his,” He stated that Crimo’s relationship with the police is very limited.
“There were some law enforcement contacts. Covelli stated that there was nothing of a violent nature.
Nancy Rotering, Highland Park Mayor, said Tuesday on CBS Mornings that Crimo was a friend of hers as a child.
“I was his Cub Scout leader. He was just a small boy at that time. Rotering stated, “My heart breaks for everyone in this town.” Rotering said, “I don’t know what compelled him to do this kind of evil in his hometown. But we have a city in deep mourning right now and it will take us a long time for all of this to heal.”
